Finding a wedding photographer is such an important step in preparing for your wedding day. Photos and portraits are often one of the only tangible items left after a wedding day. They are priceless heirlooms and your visual legacy of your day. Here is my advise on what to ask your wedding photographer.
What is your approach to a wedding day?
This is an important question to make sure your wedding day flows the way you intend for it to. Some photographers like to take the onlooker or fly on the wall approach. Where other photographers tend to be more of a hype girl for your day. Personally, I fall in the middle. If you need some extra support on your day from me, I am there for you. But if you are enjoying everything about your day, I spend a lot of timewith a long lense as an observer and creating magic from afar.
How do you define your style?
First and foremost, you are going to want to truly research your prospective photographer and ensure you like their style. But getting their take on their style can be very enlightening. It is definitely worth the ask. I prefer the editorial and emotional candids. My approach is very documentary.
Have you photographed a wedding at our venue? If not, how do you handle a new venue?
This is a very important question. If your photographer has not been to your venue, ask them to take a tour with you. It is a win/win! You get another chance to dream about your wedding day, while your photographer gets a chance to look for portrait locations, a first look spot, and get a feel for unique shots offered by the venue.
How do you prepare for a wedding day?
Preparation for the wedding day is essential for any photographer. Some photographers send a wedding questionnaire but you need to know if they will be helping you with the timeline. Photographers have been to hundreds of weddings and their knowledge and ability to handle a photo timeline is an essential skill that you need on your wedding day. All of my couples work with me to ensure the timeline is exactly they way they want it in advance. Additionally, I come prepared with multiple location options for portraits, the first-look and all the things. Because being prepared makes the day run smoother for you.
Payment Questions
Are there add on fees like credit card fees, travel fees or any other fees? As a consumer, you need to know all the fees in advance. There should never be hidden fees.
When are my payments due? And will I get a payment reminder? As the client, there is no need for you to track your payment due dates. Most photographers have this as an auto email. Take that off your to do list!
What types of payment do you accept? These are large purchases and a lot of wedding couples specifically plan to use credit cards to get rewards to help fund their honeymoons. Make sure you know how payments work in advance of signing you contract. I don’t charge my clients credit card fees, all fees are included in the package cost!
Questions About Your Gallery and Final Products
How do you keep our images safe between the wedding day and the delivery day? Although every photographer backs up their images differently, it never hurts to ask this question. After all, these are extremely important images and care should be given to their safety. Personally, the camera cards stay on my person for the entire wedding day. And by the end of the wedding day, I will have four copies of every single image in four different locations.
In addition, some photographers provide a physical USB drive. Mine are sub-engraved with your name and delivered in a beautiful linen box with all of your sneak peeks printed as 5 X 7’s. Make sure, no matter what, that you have an online and physical copy of your images.
Can we share our images? Can we allow family and friends to view and download images? Some wedding photographers charge family members for downloads. Make sure you know who is allowed to access your gallery prior to signing the contract. All of my wedding couples and their families/friends can view, download and share anything they wish.
How long will we have access to the online gallery? Some photographers charge for access to the gallery beyond a certain time frame so you need to know that time frame. My galleries are guaranteed for one year.
Bonus Questions
Don’t forget to ask for a full gallery to ensure you like how the photographer handles all lighting situations from first looks and family formals, to the reception and dancing. These images matter too!
If you are looking for a Topeka wedding photographer, hop on over to my site and take a peek!
